The Symbolism Of Goldman's The Lion In Winter

In Goldman’s drama, the title, The Lion in Winter, is a symbol in itself, representing Henry II. During the Christmas season of 1183, Henry II is the lion mentioned in the title, fighting for his right to name the heir to his throne. Furthermore, not only is Henry enduring the cold winter of 1183, but he is also approaching his own life’s winter, where his lively personality dissipates and his energetic attitude becomes one that prefers peace over war. Therefore, Goldman’s title represents Henry II, who is the lion carefully guarding his throne’s successor and preying upon those who oppose him as he nears death in the winter of his life. Another symbol in The Lion in Winter is the character of Alais, who represents true and innocent love. Among the other characters, Alais is the lone soul who stays faithful to those whom she has promised herself. Despite being tossed around and offered as mere property, she lovingly stays loyal to Henry with no intention of leaving him. However, when she senses that her marriage with Henry is only for political reasons, Alais immediately declines because of her want for a loving and flourishing family, unlike what Henry experienced with Eleanor. Nevertheless, Alais stays true to Henry and continues to

When characters admit to their true, self-interested motives, they flash their knife or broadsword to threaten another character into fearful silence, which allows all other characters to fall into the deceptive trap planned for them. Not only do blades represent deception, but they also symbolize their true purpose of physical attacks as well, such as when John, Geoffrey, and Richard ready their knives to kill their father. Throughout the drama, both physical and intellectual attacks are foreshadowed and represented through bladed weapons, which show the dire consequences that can stem from conceit and